DEAR ABBY: I am a 32-year-old late-deafened adult. I have been deaf in my right ear my whole life, but lost my hearing in my left ear after a tumor was removed when I was 27. I guess they are right when they say we are never fully prepared to lose things we have taken for granted for so long. I still have trouble communicating with people. I have taken a few sign language classes and four lip reading classes but I often feel like I’m no longer part of normal society. My question is, shouldn’t I have adjusted by now regarding how people see me since I have been without hearing for so long?
– HEARING IMPAIRED

DEAR HEARING IMPAIRED: I have been told that the most isolating disability is being unable to hear. Please do not burden yourself by feeling you “should” have adjusted faster than you have. There is no set timetable for adjusting to any disability. Because you feel stuck in the process, the Hearing Loss Association of America may be helpful because they sponsor support groups in many state. Please check it out.

Did you read the above letter on the February 10, 2018, syndicated column by Dear Abby about hearing loss? Are you looking for more information or how to find an HLAA Chapter where you can find support in your community?

If your answer is YES, your decision to do something about your hearing health begins here. You are not alone….

Continue reading the full article on the HLAA National Website.